Pet Insurance

For many reasons you may be thinking about getting pet insurance for your pooch. It is understandable; we don’t think twice about protecting our homes and possessions so it is easy to see that safeguarding our beloved family dogs makes a lot of sense.

Pet insurance comes in all shapes and sizes, some good and some bad. Research is essential! It is impossible to give a brief and accurate summary of what’s available because there is a lot of choice. There are good prices, a low end figure would be £70 for a one year policy. Always check the small print and understand what your dog is covered for.

Prices generally don’t differ depending on breed or cross breed. There may be variation in policies covering occupational dogs like show dogs and breeding stick so of course make sure you are covered in all the necessary places!

This is not an attempt at a comprehensive insight to dog insurance. Rather it is to advise on the benefit of research. If something did happen to your dog it is reassuring to know you could give your dog the best chance of a successful recovery.

If you are choosing a dog, think carefully about what dog insurance would be best for you!

Puppy Statue

This is a statues for dog lovers everywhere! ‘Puppy’ was made by artist Jeff Koons in 1992. Now sitting outside the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, Spain this wonderful statue has real flowers growing on it. Well worth a visit!

Do you want advice on choosing a dog a dog breed?

Earthquake Dog Rescue

Last night’s earthquake in Britain caused much excitement and thankfully no serious damage. Earthquakes around the world have caused devastation and dogs are put in danger too. Here are some pictures of dog rescue after the earthquake in Peru in 2007…

English Mastiff

English Mastiffs are big dogs! You may have seen yesterday’s post about Hercules, the World’s Biggest Dog, he is an English Mastiff.

These magnificent dogs are gentle giants; calm and affectionate with their owners. But predators beware, English Mastiffs are instinctively protective and will stand between their master and danger. This dog breed has been names in the top ten guard dog breeds!

Because of their size, English Mastiffs need a good amount of room for exercise and a carefully managed diet. English Mastiffs seem to have higher obesity rates than other breeds.

This breed makes an excellent family dog and they are good with children. Is the English Mastiff for you if you are choosing a dog breed?

World’s Biggest Dog

World’s Biggest Dog... (for the real one, read this post)

This is Hercules, what a lot of dog! This lovely English Mastiff weighs almost 300lb and has been named the World’s Biggest Dog by the Guiness Book of World Records.

Choosing a dog of this breed, the English Mastiff, doesn’t mean you’ll have a dog this size but they are large dogs at their average size.

There will be more information on the English Mastiff soon!

Poodles (Standard, Miniature, Toy)

Are you choosing a dog breed? You’ve probably heard of Poodles but might not know too much about them.

Poodles take their name form the German word Pudelhund, which translates as ‘splashing dog’. This may sound strange but it explains the tradition of the show appearance of Poodles when their fur is trimmed all over except for the major joints.

Poodles were originally working dogs from the Gun Dog group. Their fur was trimmed in this way so that when Poodles were in water there was less resistance to water as normally their fur is very thick. Fur was left on the joints to provide the dogs with protection from the cold.

This style has continued to be popular for showing Poodles. Trimming dogs in this way is called clipping. Nowadays unless the Poodle is a working dog, it is done purely for show.

The French are cited as developing the breed though it has been suggested they have origins in Russia and Iberia.

Poodles come in three sizes; Toy, Miniature and Standard. There’s a Poodle size for all dog lovers!

Poodles are active, energetic dogs. Their working background shows through as they like to ‘hunt’, even miniature ones. They are good family dogs, especially standard size Poodles.

Lap Dogs

Lap Dogs are always popular! They make great companions for older people and people who spend a lot of time in their house. These dogs love to go out too but most of all they love company. If you want a gorgeous little dog to pamper you could choose a dog breed from this list (it isn’t a comprehensive list but is a good starting point):

• American Hairless Terrier
• Basset Hound
• Beagle
• Bichon Frise
• Bichon/Yorkie
• Boston Terrier
• Bulldog
• Cairn Terrier
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Chihuahua
• Chinese Crested (hairless)
• English Toy Spaniel
• German Spitz
• Italian Greyhound
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Maltese
• Miniature Fox Terrier
• Miniature Pinscher
• Miniature Poodle
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Norfolk Terrier
• Norwich Terrier
• Pekingese
• Pocket Beagle
• Pomeranian
• Pug
• Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle
• Rat Terrier
• Shih-Tzu
• Silky Terrier
• Standard Schnauzer
• Toy Poodle
• West Highland White Terrier
• Whippet
• Yorkshire Terrier

It’s very important to research your chosen dog breed to make sure it will fit in with your lifestyle. All these dogs may be lap dogs but they are all very different too. You will find information on specific small dog breeds throughout this blog and I’ll keep you posted about more!

Choosing A Dog Breed

Every once in a while we are going to give you all a link to our Dog Breeds Website over at www.RightDogBreed4me.com - a great guide which shows you how to choose a dog breed.



That doesn't mean however that we are going to be biased and not show you any other Dog Breed products you might be interested in.

SitStayFetch is a world famous Dog Training website - with a reputation second to none.

Another great site is this
Dog Food Recipes book. I think we wouldn't be doing the book justice if it was just known as being about Dog Food recipes though - its about how commerical dog food poisons dogs all over the world every day, and what alternatives there are.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were the favoured pup of King Charles II. He decreed that these dogs be allowed access to all buildings. This is why they can often be seen in paintings from this era, they were a popular dog.

They still are popular today! They are amongst the top ten most popular dog breed and it’s easy to see why.

Sometimes called the ultimate lap dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels fall into the toy dog group though they are they largest of these. They certainly love sitting on laps and company in general. They are very sociable dogs and should not be left on their own for periods of time.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get on with other dogs, large and small. They are great with children. Their temperament is very friendly, eager to please and loving. What a great dog!

Are you thinking of choosing a dog breed? Why not choose a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Most Popular Dog Names

This is a top ten most pup-ular dogs' names list...

1. Max
2. Bailey
3. Buddy
4. Molly
5. Maggie
6. Lucy
7. Daisy
8. Bella
9. Jake
10. Rocky

Where do these lists come from? Are they accurate? This one is according to the US Health Department in the 1990s and refers to dogs in New York only.

The list could still gove you ideas on choosing a dog name, if not choosing a dog breed!

Choosing a Dog Breed

These sleepy dogs may you in choosing a dog breed but they'll certainly help you choose a dog as a pet...

Guide Dogs

Guide Dogs act as the eyes of a visually impaired person. They do a wonderful job assisting their owners in daily life and are great companions too. A guide dog will work for around seven years with one owner. When they retire they may stay on as a pet with their owner but often go to new homes as their owner takes on a new guide dog.

Guide Dogs are bred from specific stock. Their parents are selected for their good nature, obedience and steady nerves. This hopefully produces likewise offspring, though of course this is not always the case.

Guide Dogs are trained to walk in front of their owner and avoid obstacles, know the size of their owner and how to make sure they avoid obstacles, stop ant kerbs and corners, go left and right and know what to do in traffic. Amazing!

The training guide dogs go through before starting their career is rigorous. Dogs can be declared unsuitable at any time in training, and many are. If this is the case the dogs go to good homes. Even if they aren’t quite Guide Dog standard, these dogs are house trained and make excellent family dogs.

Owners and Guide Dogs are carefully selected before they are matched. The pair spend around four weeks at training school. In the UK the owner hands over a traditional token of fifty pence for their guide dog.

They sound like great pets. If you want to choose a dog breed that has some of the traits of a Guide Dog then choose a breed that is used as a Guide Dog. These include Labradors, Retrievers and German Shepherds.

Even though Guide Dogs are working dogs, they enjoy it. Spending all day with their owner and going to places off limits to most dogs is not a bad life for a dog! When a Guide Dog is working, this is when they are wearing their harness and is being held by their owner, they should not be petted or distracted in any way so they can concentrate on guiding.

German Shepherd Dogs - Choosing A Dog Breed

German Shepherd Dogs (also known as Alsatians) are amongst the top ten most popular dog breeds in the UK.

They are lovely dogs; strong, affectionate and reliable. As well as making great family pets and guard dogs, German Shepherd Dogs work as guide dogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs, security guard dogs and even in the military.

This is a protective, intelligent and fearless breed. As a puppy it is important to socialise your German Shepherd well. Ideally a German Shepherd will be calm and affectionate and non-confrontational in their home and alert outside, whilst being comfortable with strangers.

This is not an impossible feat with a German Shepherd Dog. They are responsive to training and are obedient.

As with all larger dogs they need plenty of exercise and outdoor space. If you are choosing a dog, a German Shepherd Dog will be a great choice if you’re looking for a larger dog.

Chicken Liver Biscuits Recipe

These chicken liver biscuits may not sound so appealing to you and me but your dog will love them! Choose a dog food that is good for your dog and a real treat too. This is a tasty and healthy snack and is easy to make…

Chicken Liver Biscuits Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup polenta
• 3 table spoons vegetable oil
• 1 free range or organic egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup cooked chicken liver, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F/200C

2. Sift together the flour and polenta

3. In a separate bowl mix together the beaten egg and vegetable oil. Add to this the chicken stock and chopped parsley, mix well

4. Slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing well as you go

5. Fold in the chopped chicken livers. Knead this mixture a little until you have a firm dough

6. Roll dough out on to a floured surface and roll out to about half an inch thickness

7. Cut out biscuits to the size suitable for your dog

8. Place biscuits onto a greased or lined baking tray and bake for 15 minutes or until firm. (the smaller you biscuits, the quicker they will cook and so on)

9. Leave to cool in a place your dog cannot reach them, or they will be scoffed!

Because these biscuits contain cooked meat, they should be stored in the refrigerator.

Jack Russells

Jack Russells are the creation of minister and dog breeder John ‘Jack’ Russell in the 1800s. The story goes that while he was living in Oxford, Minister Russell bred his Jack Russells from a terrier called Trump he had bought from his milkman!

Jack Russells remain a popular dog today. They are lively, feisty, protective. So if you love to take long walks and lavishing attention on your dog, a Jack Russell might be for you if you are choosing a dog breed.

They were bred for flushing out foxes and later other animals in hunts. This is why Jack Russells are not intimidated by bigger dogs, it’s the nature of their breed!

Don’t be misled by their size, Jack Russells are high energy dogs who, if not entertained or tired out from a great walk, will create their own entertainment. This could include shredding your newspaper or homework and digging up your lawn.

It is perhaps because of this type of misconception that many Jack Russells find themselves in rescue homes after their owners were not able to meet their needs.

If you thrive on a lively, spirited dog who loves to be the centre of attention, a Jack Russell could be the best dog breed for you.

Happy Valentines Day!

Choosing A Dog Breed

Cute Irish Setter Puppies...

Cute Irish Setter Puppies...

Dog Personality Types

It is well known that dog breeds have their own unique characteristics. It is likely that dogs of the same breed will have similar aspects to their nature. Retrievers can generally be relied upon to be friendly, sociable dogs. Jack Russells will certainly have lively moments.

Dog breed characteristics are helpful when choosing a dog breed. However they do not tell us what a puppy will be like when it grows up.

All dogs have a personality that is unique to them. Even though all Jack Russells have similarities, they will also have their own unique personalities.

Ask anyone who has had more than one of a breed of dog and they’ll probably tell you that the dogs had very different personalities.

There are several theories on the personality types of dogs. It has been suggested that dogs share all human personality dimensions except for conscientiousness. Puppy personalities have been broken down into six personality types:

• Responsive
• High Energy
• Strong-willed
• Shy and Insecure
• Calm and Easy Going
• Aggressive

Whatever personality type your puppy displays, extreme behaviours can be moderated through effective training.

It is not possible to fully know the personality type of your dog until it has grown up a little. Or, if you are getting an older dog, you may already have some insight on this from its previous owner or the rescue home.

It is essential to consider the characteristics of your dog’s breed when choosing a dog breed. Just remember, dogs are not all cast from the same mould and are all very different, even when they look very similar!

Dogs are nation's favourite pets

Dogs or cats: it’s an emotive subject likely to start heated debates between cat and dog lovers nationwide. Tesco Pet Insurance conducted a survey to shed some light on the subject.

In a recent poll of pet owners: 58% said they would rather own a dog. While dogs were described as loyal and affectionate, cats are seen by respondents as being lazy and arrogant!

Unsurprisingly, when asked how individuals would choose to spoil their pets, a majority said affection and food. When asked which pet they would most like to spoil, 56% of the poll said their dog while a measly 24% preferred to spoil their cat.

3% of pet owners would spoil their pets with clothing and holidays abroad and for once this wasn’t the opinion of WAGs as the 3% were mainly male respondents.

Janet Wickens, Cats Protection’s Director of Fundraising and Communications said: “According to the most recent figures published by the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, the number of pet cats and dogs across the UK is very similar and as the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, Cats Protection is glad to hear that so many people understand and value the companionship and joy that both cats and dogs bring to millions of households.”

“Our survey suggests that we really are a nation of dog-lovers, while cats unfortunately didn’t fare as well. This may be down to characters like Lassie contributing to the reputation of dogs, saving children from the bottom of wells and dragging the unconscious from train tracks. Cats on the other hand are famous for their evil owners such as Blofeld, and Dr. Evil. However, it was interesting to see the strength of responses, which goes to show how much as a nation we care about our pets.”

Allan Burns, Head of Tesco Pet Insurance.

Scrapbooking Quotes

Anyone interested in ScrapBooking should check our sister site for some amazing:

Scrapbooking Quotes

As well as loads of great phrases to adorn your scrapbooks with, there are some great scapbook page ideas, scrapbook templates, layouts and scrapbook software to help you do digital scrapbooks!

Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy)

Are choosing a dog breed and have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier in mind as a pet? This breed of dog is affectionately known as a Staffy.

Much has been said about the Staffy's temperament. They have been hounded by breed ban enthusiasts across the world. This could be down to misconceptions of Staffies as being aggressive toward humans. Staffies make excellent family pets, are great with small children and protective of their family.

The thing about Staffordshire Bull Terriers that gains them their reputation as feisty dogs is that they can be too quick to fight unfamiliar dogs. Originally bred in the mid nineteenth century for the cruel 'sport' of dog fighting , these dogs were bred to fight other dogs but, importantly, to be totally reliable interacting with humans. This allowed them to be handled by their owners during a fight. Following a ban on bloodsports in Britain, underground dog fighting occured for decades throughout the country.

When we understand a bit about the Staffy's history, it helps us to understand their needs. When they are puppies it is important to socialise them with people, including children. They need to get used to being aorund other dogs and this is most easily done at a young age. Staffies interpret eye contact with other dogs as a challenge to fight. A Staffy who is used to other dogs can be more easily persuaded away from such situations. If you have an older Staffy, try to avoid them making eye contact with other dogs if they are prone to rise up to the challenge.

Most importantly your Staffy needs to know you are the boss. As with any dog training this never need include striking a dog in any way. Dogs can accept rules and will enjoy the harmonious life that ensues. A well trained Staffy does not deserve a reputation as an agressive dog.

They are especially good all round dogs; loving family dogs and reliable guard dogs. Don't overlook the Staffordshire Bull Terrier when you choose a dog breed!

Dogs in the Movies...

Full of character, dogs make great film stars. Here are some of my favourites...

Best In Show- Essential viewing for anyone who's been to a dog show or watched Crufts on TV.

BomBon El Perro- Beautiful scenery and a lovely Argentinian Dogo.

Beethoven- A must for fans of St Bernards.

The Incredible Journey- The original sixties flick follows the heartwarming journey of two dogs and a cat.

Lassie- This classic has to be included in a list of films with dogs.

Dogs are the best method actors, they just act like themselves!

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dogs are a mysterious breed of dog. Mysterious in that their origins are not completely known.

They are said to have been seen as early as the late nineteenth century. Developed in Australia, Australian Cattle Dogs were bred from Dingos and also go by the names of Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler, and Red Heeler.

These friendly, feisty, playful dogs make great pets. Their herding heritage means they love to play fetch and run around!

Australian Cattle Dogs are lively dogs. They are great companions and you’ll never be bored with one around.

Don’t forget the Australian Cattle Dog if you’re choosing a dog breed.

Pancake Day

It's a bit late but here are some dogs and pancakes photos...


Choosing A Dog Breed

Choosing A Dog Collar

After the big decision of choosing a dog breed, amongst the many other thing to choose from when you get a dog is what type of collar they are going to wear.

It may sound very trivial but dog collars vary widely.

All dogs should wear a Buckle Collar every day (if they wear one every day). This would be made out of woven nylon or leather, and have a buckle. The collar should be loose enough that you can easily place two fingers underneath the collar but not so loose that it can come off the dog’s head without being unfastened.

You may be thinking about getting an additional collar for training purposes. A Halter collar is one that covers the dog’s head for when he is in training as a youngster.

When the dog pulls on the lead (of course he will be soon trained out if this!) the pull will be felt on the scruff of the neck in a similar way to the mother dog lifting a puppy by the scruff of its neck. This is more comfortable and natural for the dog than a lead which they pull on from the neck.

There are other decisions about dog collars still. Should you go for a leather studded number, one bearing the family tartan, pink and fluffy…

Rescue Greyhounds

When choosing a dog breed, it is possible to choose a rescue dog and have a specific dog breed in mind. This is especially true if you are thinking of choosing a Greyhound.

There are many, many Greyhounds hoping to be given a new home after being left at shelters or pounds. So many need rehoming because, as racing dogs, many are not wanted when their racing days are over do if they do not show enough promise as a racer.

Sadly, there is a misconception that Greyhounds are difficult pets. In fact they are lovely, gentle dogs who don’t require a great deal of exercise (around two 20 minute walks a day). Their penchant for sleeping also makes them easy to look after.

Some Greyhounds don’t like cats, so a ‘cat test’ may be necessary if you have one.

There are lots of Greyhound rescue centres, there is probably one near you.

It’s wonderful to be able to give a rescue dog a loving home when you choose a dog breed.

Double-Nosed Andean Tiger Hound

The Double-Nosed Andean Tiger Hound is a fascinating dog!

They live in Bolivia and have recently been in the news when explorer Explorer Colonel John Blashford-Snell saw one on a trip to Bolivia last year.

Do they have smell twice as well as single nose dogs? Maybe not. Their two noses may be a differently shaped single nose with an unusual piece of skin separating the nostrils.

It might be difficult to find one of these outsisde Bolivia but there are many wonderful dog breeds to choose from!

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie...

Lovely dogs in Penang, Malaysia

Boston Terriers

Oddly, Boston Terriers are not actually terriers (according to the American Kennel Club). They are part of the non sporting group (which includes the Dalmation, Bichon Frise and Newfoundland).

Boston Terriers were originally bred as fighting dogs from two now extinct dog breeds; the Old English Bulldog and the English White Terrier. Even though Boston Terriers originated from Terriers, they are now not considered to be Terriers at all!

The Boston Terrier’s temperament can be a little reminiscent of a Terrier’s. They are now bred as dogs for companionship and not fighting so they love being around people but they can display the feisty character of the Terrier too.

Boston Terriers are as happy lazing around the house as running around outside. A mixture of the two makes a happy Boston Terrier and a fantastic pet.

Is the Boston Terrier the right dog breed for you?